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The Best Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Fluffy & moist vegan cinnamon rolls smothered in a creamy cream cheese frosting.

Course Dessert
Keyword holiday dessert recipe, vegan cinnamon rolls
Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings 9 rolls
Author Taavi Moore

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup vegan butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups (347g) warm unsweetened, non-dairy milk
  • cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 4 ½ cups (629g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ tsp salt

Filling

  • ¾ cup (241g) light brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup softened vegan butter

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ½ cup room temperature vegan cream cheese (I used Kite Hill's)
  • ¼ cup room temperature vegan butter
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, mix the melted butter (cooled, <110°F), warm non-dairy milk (<110°F), and granulated sugar. Sprinkle over the yeast and lightly mix in. Let sit for 10 minutes until slightly foamy on top (this means the yeast has bloomed). 

  2. Add the flour and salt. Switch to a paddle attachment and mix until dry and the ingredients are fully incorporated. Replace the paddle attachment with a dough hook. Mix on medium speed for 3-5 minutes or until dough is smooth and stretchy. It should not be sticky.

  3. Coat a large mixing bowl with neutral-flavored oil. Place dough inside and cover with towel or plastic wrap. I recommend a warm damp towel. Place in the oven with oven light on. Let rise for 1 hour.

  4. While dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.

  5. Punch dough down. Roll out to a 12×15" rectangle. Feel free to clean the edges with a bench scraper. Spread softened butter in an even layer over the rectangle. Leave about ½" room on the edges. Sprinkle the brown sugar/spice mixture evenly over the butter layer.

  6. Taking the edge closest to you, roll the rectangle tightly. Cut into 9 even pieces (about 1 ½" wide). Place rolls in a greased 9" square baking dish. Alternatively, you can cut into 8 even pieces and place in a 9×13" baking dish. Cover with a warm damp towel. Let rise in the oven with light on for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (making sure to remove rolls before preheating). Bake the rolls for 25 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Prepare the frosting while cooling.

  8. In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash together the vegan cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Sift in the powdered sugar and mix until creamy. Smother the warm rolls with frosting and enjoy!